Letter of the day

After the Sandy Creek tragedy and the lockdown of some East Side schools, I wasn't surprised to hear gun advocates declare their take on the issue of school shootings: more guns equals more safety.

But I have to admit I was caught off guard by Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst's proposition of gun training for teachers. Imagine! Teachers armed with guns, ready to shoot down their own student if the need arose. I would laugh -- if I weren't a teacher.

When banks are robbed at gunpoint, is the logical reaction to arm the bankers? Of course not! A bank would employ an armed guard at the entrance. Why would we expect teachers to take on this role?

We all know teachers can play many roles in a child's life. They can be mentors, cheerleaders, social workers, and friends for their students. Dewhurst is proposing that we add judge, jury, and executioner to the list. This isn't the Wild West.

Will the day come when my résumé looks like this: Excellent track record for test scores, willing to provide after-school tutoring, a crack shot, ready and willing to kill at a moment's notice?

Well, if it does, then I'm leaving the teaching profession. Maybe I can get a job selling guns.